How to Redo Paint on Ceiling Fans

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The wrong ceiling fan can make a room look dated. At best it adds nothing to the room's décor. A few coats of paint can update the fan without the expense and hassle of installing a new fixture. The blades on ceiling fans are typically removable so you don't have to take down the entire motor and housing to update the fans in your home.

Blade Removal

Fan blades attach to the ceiling fan motor housing in a variety of ways. Some fans utilize screws that require removal for the blades to slide free. Other manufacturers may use a locking mechanism to remove fan blades. These mechanisms typically have a small lever that releases the fan blade without the use of any tools. Inspect the fan or consult the manual for proper blade removal instructions.

Preparation

Thorough cleaning and dusting improves the look of the blades immediately and helps the paint adhere evenly and completely. A damp rag is sufficient for removing most dust and dirt, but dry the blades immediately to prevent spotting or raised grain on wood fan blades. Some fan blades may feature a textured side and a smooth side, or a dark- and a light-colored side. Select which side you want painted and sand it lightly with 120-grit sandpaper to roughen the surface slightly. Paint can peel from a too-smooth surface because it adheres more evenly to a slightly roughened surface.

Paint Selection

The type of paint to use depends partly on the material of the fan blade. Use only oil-based paints on wood blades. The moisture in water-based paints can soak into the wood, causing the grain to raise and the wood to swell. Latex paints labeled for use on vinyl work well on vinyl blades. Vinyl blades always require a primer labeled for vinyl use, otherwise the paint can crack or peel. Although not always necessary, primer also helps ensure an even coat on wood blades. When painting the blades a lighter color a primer helps ensure even coverage with fewer coats of paint.

Design

Gloss paint gives blades a highly reflective shine, while flat paints are completely matte with no light reflection. For ease of cleaning, semi-gloss paint wipes clean but isn't as shiny as a true gloss. When you want to reflect light, use a gloss or semi-gloss. Paint color can help the fan fade into the background if you use the same color as the ceiling or a color that matches existing woodwork in the room. For a bolder statement, use a bright accent color or paint designs onto the fan blades.

Application

A 2-inch paintbrush works well for most fan blades. Apply the primer coat first and allow it to dry. The blades require two or three thin coats of the final paint color and the blades must dry between each coat. When you want to add a painted design, first apply the necessary coats of the main base color then paint the design on last with smaller brushes. Once the blades are completely dry, which can take 24 hours, reinstall them on the fan housing. Installing wet blades on the fan can cause damage to the paint or the paint may stick to the brackets and make later removal difficult.

About the Author

Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.